Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-28
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The charts below show the average percentages in typical meals of three types of nutrients, all of which may be unhealthy if eaten too much.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Average percentages of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars in typical meals consumed in the USA
Student answer (Band 5.5)
The three pie charts compare the distribution of sodium, saturated fats and added sugars in breakfast, snack, lunch and dinner which can be unhealthy if not eaten in small amount.
Overall, breakfast has the smallest percentage of the nutrients whereas dinner has the largest but in the case of added sugar snack holds the highest percentage while breakfast is still the lowest.
In terms of sodium, both snack and breakfast contained 14% while lunch and dinner accounted for 29% and 43% respectively. Likewise, breakfast represented 16% of saturated fat with snack representing 21% and lunch 26%. Dinner comprised of the remaining 37%. For added sugar, 42% of the total was accounted by snack followed by 23% by dinner while breakfast and lunch both made up of 16% and 19% in that order.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The student successfully identifies the main features of the charts, noting the overall highest and lowest nutrient categories across different meals. For example, the overview accurately points out that breakfast generally has the smallest percentages while dinner has the largest, except for added sugar where snacks dominate at 42%. Data is accurately cited throughout the body paragraph, correctly matching the source material for sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar. However, there is a distinct penalty applied because the word count is 132 words, falling short of the mandatory 150-word minimum requirement. This prevents the response from fully developing the task as required for higher band levels, capping the achievement score.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The response is logically organized with a clear four-paragraph structure comprising an introduction, an overview, and a detailed body paragraph. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well to sequence information, such as 'Overall,' 'In terms of sodium,' and 'Likewise.' Paragraphing is appropriate for a short report. However, referencing and progression are slightly compromised by grouping all data points into a single, dense body paragraph rather than separating them logically by nutrient or meal type, which makes the flow feel somewhat mechanical. Despite these minor flaws, the overall arrangement remains coherent and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for a Task 1 response, employing terms such as 'distribution,' 'accounted for,' 'respectively,' and 'comprised of.' There are a few slight lexical inaccuracies or awkward phrasings, such as writing 'comprised of' (where 'comprised' or 'consisted of' would be grammatically correct) and 'in small amount' instead of 'in small amounts.' Nevertheless, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the numerical data and comparisons clearly, and spelling is generally accurate throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The three pie charts compare...' and 'For added sugar, 42% of the total was accounted by snack followed by...' There are several grammatical errors and awkward passive constructions present, including 'made up of 16% and 19% in that order' (where 'made up 16%' is needed) and missing pluralization in 'small amount.' Punctuation is generally acceptable, and while these errors are noticeable, they do not severely impede communication or distort the overall meaning of the report.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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